The Kern County Fire Department is looking for "a few good firefighters." The department is gearing up to administer its test to anyone interested in becoming a Kern County firefighter.

Some people seem to know since their childhood just what kind of career they want to do. Liberty High School sophomore Christopher Moore has wanted to be a firefighter since about the 8th grade.
He and about 300 others came out to an informational seminar held Tuesday night at the Beale Library to find out what it takes to join the ranks of the Kern County Fire Department.

But just getting into the academy is a task all onto itself. Out of one to two thousand applicants expected to take the test in January, only about ten percent will be accepted.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Mike Cody, "We kind of draw the line at about 200, then we focus the efforts on trying to do background work, clearing those people to make sure they are going to be good to do the job."

County fire covers a huge land area of more than 8100 square miles. And its more than just fighting fires, it's also responding to situations where human life is at risk.

Joe Fanucchi says that's one thing he most admires and hopes to be a part of one day, "I really respect firefighters at what they do, and I think it is a very hard job at what they do."

But as mentioned, the requirements are tough. Liberty High student Chad Baldez had his heart set on becoming a firefighter.... until he found out he doesn't qualify because he's color blind. He says,"Well, I just wanted to be a firefighter. That's all I wanted to do- really never thought about doing anything else."

Again, the test for the Kern County Fire Department is expected to be given sometime in January, but a date has not yet been set.

There will be several more informational seminars held by the Kern County Fire Department through December. These include meetings in Arvin, Tehachapi and Delano. The next available seminar in Bakersfield will be held November 15th, 6:30-9:00p.m. in the Golden Valley High School cafeteria, located at 801 Hosking Avenue. Everyone interested is invited to attend.